Historic Hugus Building in Steamboat, Colorado is celebrated with design-focused new tenants
Rumor Design + reDesign and r|d home slated to open Summer 2021.
STEAMBOAT, Colorado, Saturday May 15th, 2021 — Rumor Design + reDesign, a Steamboat Interior Design Firm established in 2008, makes a move to the historic Hugus Building/Thiesen Mall at 912 Lincoln Ave. in downtown Steamboat Springs, CO. Most recently known as the Steamboat Smokehouse, the building has been a landmark of rich western history since it was built in the 1890s. Originally the site of J.W. Hugus & Co, it was one the nation’s first general store chains. From farm equipment, feed, and barrels of gasoline, the store also sold home appliances and furniture, a common thread for the new use of its space.
Rumor Designs has been recognized as one of Colorado’s Top Interior Design Firms by Colorado Homes and Mountain Living Magazine, and locally a seven time Best of the Boat winner, known for their contemporary and mountain-modern interior design style. Partners Valerie Stafford and Lindsey Jamison will use the space to grow their highly rated interior design services as well as offer home furnishings and decor, including ready-to-buy sofas, one-of-a-kind chairs, accent tables, and curated home accessories. “Every day, we meet customers who are looking to purchase furniture on the spot. We wanted to offer a locally curated selection for our growing community where you can sit and experience those options in person,” says Stafford.
The newly renovated 4,000 sq. ft. space will serve as a creative hub for anyone designing their home, with a dedicated fabric nook plus detail drawing services and samples for custom cabinetry, tile, plumbing, flooring and more. “Designing or redesigning a home in our high alpine climate is a bigger challenge than most people realize. Our evolving and bespoke assortment of samples are all Rumor approved materials and styles, ranging in price for a variety of budgets,” Jamison explains.
“The entire space will be an elevated home design shopping experience for our clients and anyone who wants to feel inspired, or make improvements in their home. We’re excited to be open to the community, offering a gourmet coffee bar featuring barista crafted coffee and tea drinks with grab-and-go snack and lunch items” Stafford describes.
Stafford and Jamison plan to open the space this summer and begin hosting First Friday Artwalk at the new location each month starting in July. When the time is right, we’ll host a grand opening to showcase the historic building in its new form to the community. “In the renovation process, we uncovered these beautiful stone walls and learned that the building was constructed from Emerald Quarry boulders, transported by the grandfather of one of our contractors, Tyke Pierce. We kept the walls exposed and natural to give the space an industrial feel, honoring the historical architecture of its past while updating most everything else that was damaged in the 2019 fire.” Stafford recalls.
1991 - When Steamboat Smokehouse first opened.
The building was purchased in the summer of 2020 from Fritz Aurin who owned the building that housed the Steamboat Smokehouse for 30 years, before a fire caused substantial damage to the interior and smoke damage to the surrounding businesses. “When it came time to sell after the fire, I was lucky to find Valerie and Lindsey as buyers who wanted to protect and enhance the rustic character of this local landmark. Many years ago I schemed up plans to ‘open up’ the building and espose the stonework and structural character which I knew existed and wanted to display but simply couldn't afford. The Rumor Design crew has allowed me to finally witness that potential. I am excited for the building for which I have grown incredibly attached, and for the heritage of Steamboat Springs to evolve with this addition" says Aurin.
2019 - Steamboat Smokehouse just prior to the fire.
The building has come a long way since housing Steamboat's first telephone at J.W. Hugus & Co in 1890. The new home of Rumor Designs will showcase the same integrated lighting, sound and security systems they recommend for their clients, installed locally by Midwest Electric, Western Security and Cloud 9, Integrated Systems. "The building has solid bones, it just needed to function as it should in the modern world. Now with capabilities similar to what we use in our fully integrated smart home systems, the Rumor Design team is doing it right." says Thomas McKenzie of Cloud 9, Integrated Systems.
“We’ve always believed that a sense of wellbeing stems from the home environment and we want everyone to experience that same inspiration we have provided for our clients over the last 13 years. As we evolve, our space should too, so if you’re stuck with the same style, changing up your space may be the key to getting unstuck in your routines and outlook. We’re putting our own theory into action by moving into a bigger, brighter space with so much potential for our design team and support staff. More than ever, the importance of home design has been magnified and we want to be there for anyone who is ready to design or redesign their space.” says Stafford.
Lindsey Jamison and Valerie Stafford, co-owners of Rumor Design + reDesign. Photo by: Danielle Zimmerer.
Rumor Design + reDesign is slated to open summer 2021, moving from 345 Lincoln Ave. to 912 Lincoln Ave. in downtown Steamboat Springs, CO. The retail showroom and coffee bar will be open to the community Monday through Sunday 10am - 6pm. Visit www.rumordesigns.com for more information or call 970-819-9721.